The invention relates to a solarenergy collector comprising solarenergy absorbing material within chamber having a transparent wall, solarenergy being transmitted through the transparent wall, and efficiently absorbed by the absorbing material, for transfer to a heat transfer fluid. The solarenergy absorbing material, of generally foraminous nature, absorbs and transmits the solarenergy with improved efficiency.

The Alaska SolarEnergy Workshop is a forum to exchange ideas and information about best practices, performance of systems in the arctic, project development and financing, and lessons learned about solarenergy.

SolarSolar Rooftop solar is growing rapidly, but red tape and additional costs can still get in the way. We explore the reasons why -- and how the Energy Department is working to make going solar easier -- in this episode of our podcast, Direct Current. Rooftop solar is growing rapidly, but red tape and additional costs can still get in the way. We explore the reasons why -- and how the Energy Department is working to make going solar easier -- in this episode of our podcast, Direct Current.

Solar ADEPT Project: The 7 projects that make up ARPA-E's Solar ADEPT program, short for 'Solar Agile Delivery of Electrical Power Technology,' aim to improve the performance of photovoltaic (PV) solarenergy systems, which convert the sun's rays into electricity. Solar ADEPT projects are integrating advanced electrical components into PV systems to make the process of converting solarenergy to electricity more efficient.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can generate clean, cost-effective power anywhere the sun shines. This video shows how a PV panel converts the energy of the sun into renewable electricity to power homes and businesses.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can generate clean, cost-effective power anywhere the sun shines. This video shows how a PV panel converts the energy of the sun into renewable electricity to power homes and businesses.

A solarenergy collection system for a building is described. A solarenergy collector is disposed at the exterior surface of the building and includes a solarenergy absorbent body having a surface which is exposed to sunlight and from which solarenergy can be transmitted as sensible heat. A panel which is transparent to sunlight is spaced from the said surface of the absorbent body so as to define therewith a passageway in which air contacts at least a substantial area of said surface so that air in said passageway absorbs heat transmitted from said surface when the collector is in use. The passageway has an inlet and an outlet and the absorbent body and panel are arranged with the outlet higher than the inlet so that heated air in the passageway tends to rise by convection towards the outlet. The building is provided with heating means including a circulation circuit for a heating fluid. Heat exchange means are coupled to said air passageway outlet of the solarenergy collector for passage of heated air therethrough. The heat exchange means are also coupled to the circulation circuit of the building heating means and are arranged to permit heat transfer between said heated air and the heating fluid. A return air flow conduit is coupled between the heat exchange means and the inlet of the air passageway of the solarenergy collector for returning heated air from the heat exchange means to the air passageway for recirculation.

Solar Decathlon Solar Decathlon 1 of 69 Stevens Institute of Technology won top honors at the U.S. Department of EnergySolar Decathlon on October 17, 2015 overall by designing, building, and operating the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive solar powered house. University at Buffalo, The State University of New York took second place followed by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in third place. Image: Thomas Kelsey, U.S. Department of EnergySolar

The energy conversion system includes a photo-voltaic array for receiving solar radiation and converting such radiation to electrical energy. The photo-voltaic array is mounted on a stretched membrane that is held by a frame. Tracking means for orienting the photo-voltaic array in predetermined positions that provide optimal exposure to solar radiation cooperate with the frame. An enclosure formed of a radiation transmissible material includes an inside containment space that accommodates the photo-voltaic array on the stretched membrane, the frame and the tracking means, and forms a protective shield for all such components. The enclosure is preferably formed of a flexible inflatable material and maintains its preferred form, such as a dome, under the influence of a low air pressure furnished to the dome. Under this arrangement the energy conversion system is streamlined for minimizing wind resistance, sufficiently weatherproof for providing protection against weather hazards such as hail, capable of using diffused light, lightweight for low-cost construction, and operational with a minimal power draw.

The energy conversion system includes a photo-voltaic array for receiving solar radiation and converting such radiation to electrical energy. The photo-voltaic array is mounted on a stretched membrane that is held by a frame. Tracking means for orienting the photo-voltaic array in predetermined positions that provide optimal exposure to solar radiation cooperate with the frame. An enclosure formed of a radiation transmissible material includes an inside containment space that accommodates the photo-voltaic array on the stretched membrane, the frame and the tracking means, and forms a protective shield for all such components. The enclosure is preferably formed of a flexible inflatable material and maintains its preferred form, such as a dome, under the influence of a low air pressure furnished to the dome. Under this arrangement the energy conversion system is streamlined for minimizing wind resistance, sufficiently weathproof for providing protection against weather hazards such as hail, capable of using diffused light, lightweight for low-cost construction and operational with a minimal power draw.

In this study, a solar-powered development project is used to identify whether it is possible to utilize solar technologies in the electricity production sector. Electricity production from solarenergy has been found to be a promising method in the future. Concentrated solarenergy can be converted to chemical energy via high-temperature endothermic reactions. Coal and biomass can be pyrolyzed or gasified by using concentrated solar radiation for generating power. Conventional energy will not be enough to meet the continuously increasing need for energy in the future. In this case, renewable energy sources will become important. Solarenergy is an increasing need for energy in the future. Solarenergy is a very important energy source because of its advantages. Instead of a compressor system, which uses electricity, an absorption cooling system, using renewable energy and kinds of waste heat energy, may be used for cooling.

The SolarEnergy Legal Bibliography Update is a compilation of approximately 100 solar publications abstracted for their legal and policy content (covering the period October 1978 to August 1979). Emphasis is on legal barriers and incentives to solarenergy development. Abstracts are arranged under the following categories: Antitrust, Biomass, Building Codes, Consumer Protection, Environmental Aspects, Federal Legislation and Programs, Financing/Insurance, International Law, Labor, Land Use (Covenants, Easements, Nuisance, Zoning), Local Legislation and Programs, Ocean Energy, Patents and Licenses, Photovoltaics, Solar Access Rights, Solar Heating and Cooling, Solar Thermal Power Systems, Standards, State Legislation and Programs, Tax Law, Tort Liability, Utilities, Warranties, Wind Resources, and General Solar Law.

The objective of this project is to establish and set-up a laboratory that will facilitate research and development of new low-cost and high-efficiency solarenergy utilization technologies at Purdue University. The outcome will help spur the creation of solarenergy start-up companies and eventually a solarenergy industry in Indiana that can help fulfill the growing national demand for solarenergy.

An improved tower-mounted central solarenergy receiver for heating air drawn through the receiver by an induced draft fan. A number of vertically oriented, energy absorbing, fin-shaped slats are radially arranged in a number of concentric cylindrical arrays on top of the tower coaxially surrounding a pipe having air holes through which the fan draws air which is heated by the slats which receive the solar radiation from a heliostat field. A number of vertically oriented and wedge-shaped columns are radially arranged in a number of concentric cylindrical clusters surrounding the slat arrays. The columns have two mirror-reflecting sides to reflect radiation into the slat arrays and one energy absorbing side to reduce reradiation and reflection from the slat arrays.

Careers SolarEnergy Careers The solarenergy industry is booming. Since 2008, the amount of solarenergy connected to the grid has increased more than 20 fold, reaching 27.4 GW today. This expansion has resulted in the creation of thousands of new solar industry jobs, with more than 208,000 people currently employed and projections of major growth in the future. Solar is the next great American industry. The SunShot Initiative is supporting this growing solar workforce with training programs,

From towers to dishes to linear mirrors to troughs, concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies reflect and collect solar heat to generate electricity. A single CSP plant can generate enough power for about 90,000 homes. This video explains what CSP is, how it works, and how systems like parabolic troughs produce renewable power. For more information on the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's CSP research, see the SolarEnergy Technology Program's Concentrating Solar Power Web page at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/csp_program.html.

Solar Blog Solar Blog RSS The SunShot Initiative's Solar Blog features the latest stories about the work of the solarenergy technologies office within the Department of Energy. Learn more about us. August 4, 2016 Giant Leap Technologies uses microfluidics to bend light toward a solar at the top of the plant. Each solar thermal power plant shown is a football field in size. | <em>Photo courtesy of Giant Leap Technologies</em> Cutting-Edge Science Drives SunShot Projects The

Solar PV Energy 101: Solar PV Addthis Description Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems can generate clean, cost-effective power anywhere the sun shines. This video shows how a PV panel converts the energy of the sun into renewable electricity to power homes and businesses. Text Version Below is the text version for the Energy 101: Solar PV video. The video opens with "Energy 101: Solar PV." This is followed by a timelapse shot of a city skyline as day turns to night. All right, we all know

Renewable Energy Â» SolarEnergy Technology Basics SolarEnergy Technology Basics August 16, 2013 - 4:37pm Addthis Did you know that the amount of sunlight that strikes the earth's surface in an hour and a half is enough to handle the entire world's energy consumption for a full year? Solarenergy has amazing potential to power our daily lives thanks to constantly-improving technologies. Solarenergy systems come in all shapes and sizes. Residential systems are found on rooftops across the

An improved long-life design for solarenergy receivers provides for greatly reduced thermally induced stress and permits the utilization of less expensive heat exchanger materials while maintaining receiver efficiencies in excess of 85% without undue expenditure of energy to circulate the working fluid. In one embodiment, the flow index for the receiver is first set as close as practical to a value such that the Graetz number yields the optimal heat transfer coefficient per unit of pumping energy, in this case, 6. The convective index for the receiver is then set as closely as practical to two times the flow index so as to obtain optimal efficiency per unit mass of material.

Efficiencies of different types of solar thermoelectric generators were predicted using theoretical modeling and validated with measurements using constructed prototypes under different solar intensities

{alpha}-voltaics harvest electron-hole pairs created as energetic {alpha} particles collide with and ionize electrons in a semiconductor, creating {delta}-rays. After ionization, charged pair production continues through {delta}-ray impact ionization events and the Auger relaxation of core-shell holes created through K-shell ionization events. Secondary ionization events are quantified using the TPP-2M model, the fraction of K-shell ionization events is determined using the energy-loss Coulomb-repulsion perturbed-stationary-state relativistic theory, and the relaxation of the resulting holes is treated with a fully ab initio approach using multiple Fermi golden rule calculations for ranges of carrier concentrations and temperatures. The limiting rate is 15 ns{sup -1} for small carrier concentrations and high temperatures, as compared to the radiative core-shell relaxation rate estimated here at 20 ns{sup -1}, indicating that Auger modes contribute significantly. Moreover, the K-shell ionization events are shown to dominate for low energy {alpha} particles and vanish for high energy ones. Thus, the efficiency loss due to energy dissipation in the fuel layer is mitigated, which is demonstrated by the analysis of a layered fuel-voltaic device with an efficiency from 20% to 14% for fuel layers between 5 and 10 {mu}m thick. The design of a {alpha}-voltaic integrated with a thermoelectric generator is suggested for improved efficiency and the system-level mitigation of radiation damage and geometric inefficiency.

Resource Center SolarEnergy Resource Center Solar Mapping Resources Featured Article There's a Map for That National laboratories and private companies have developed a number of tools to forecast the solar potential of homes and businesses. Learn more Icon of a person giving a presentation. Educating Consumers Tools designed to meet individual consumer needs Icon of a trending chart. Market Analysis State- and local-level challenges and solutions for establishing a thriving solar market Icon

Community and Shared Solar Community and Shared Solar Community and Shared Solar As the solarenergy market rapidly expands, more people are exploring the possibility of going solar. While not everyone is able to install panels on their roofs, due to unsuitable roof space, living in a large condo building, or renting living space, alternative business models like community solar and shared solar are gaining popularity and increasing access to clean solarenergy. Community solar business models

Utilization of solarenergy was significantly advanced with the invention of nonimaging solar concentrators. This has enabled practical uses of solarenergy for such purposes as heating and cooling of buildings and power generation without the requirement for complicated tracking. What began as a method for efficiently collecting cerenkov light in high energy physics has become the means for producing from solarenergy, high temperature for many societal applications as well as ultra-high temperature for research. This talk will describe the optical principles underlying the technology and illustrate with projects and laboratories from around the world. Examples will be drawn from a number of areas: cooling a commercial building in Sacramento, California, advanced collector development in China, NASA's plans for space propulsion by heating hydrogen, and from our own City of Chicago, a commitment to be a global leader in renewable energy production and manufacturing including solar power.

Glossary SolarEnergy Glossary The solar glossary contains definitions for technical terms related to solar power and photovoltaic (PV) technologies, including terms having to do with electricity, power generation, and concentrating solar power (CSP). A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z III-V cell - A high-efficiency solar cell made from materials including Group III and Group V elements from the periodic table . A absorber - In a photovoltaic device, the material that readily

A photo-voltaic power cell based on a photoelectric semiconductor compound and the method of using and making the same. The semiconductor compound in the photo-voltaic power cell of the present invention can be electrolytically formed at a cathode in an electrolytic solution by causing discharge or decomposition of ions or molecules of a non-metallic component with deposition of the non-metallic component on the cathode and simultaneously providing ions of a metal component which discharge and combine with the non-metallic component at the cathode thereby forming the semiconductor compound film material thereon. By stoichiometrically adjusting the amounts of the components, or otherwise by introducing dopants into the desired amounts, an N-type layer can be formed and thereafter a P-type layer can be formed with a junction therebetween. The invention is effective in producing homojunction semiconductor materials and heterojunction semiconductor materials. The present invention also provides a method of using three electrodes in order to form the semiconductor compound material on one of these electrodes. Various examples are given for manufacturing different photo-voltaic cells in accordance with the present invention.

A photo-voltaic power cell based on a photoelectric semiconductor compound and the method of using and making the same. The semiconductor compound in the photo-voltaic power cell of the present invention can be electrolytically formed at a cathode in an electrolytic solution by causing discharge or decomposition of ions or molecules of a non-metallic component with deposition of the non-metallic component on the cathode and simultaneously providing ions of a metal component which discharge and combine with the non-metallic component at the cathode thereby forming the semiconductor compound film material thereon. By stoichiometrically adjusting the amounts of the components, or otherwise by introducing dopants into the desired amounts, an N-type layer can be formed and thereafter a P-type layer can be formed with a junction therebetween. The invention is effective in producing homojunction semiconductor materials and heterojunction semiconductor materials. The present invention also provides a method of using three electrodes in order to form the semiconductor compound material on one of these electrodes. Various examples are given for manufacturing different photo-voltaic cells in accordance with the present invention.

A photo-voltaic power cell is disclosed, based on a photoelectric semiconductor compound and the method of using and making the same. The semiconductor compound in the photo-voltaic power cell of the present invention can be electrolytically formed at a cathode in an electrolytic solution by causing discharge or decomposition of ions or molecules of a non- metallic component with deposition of the non-metallic component on the cathode and simultaneously providing ions of a metal component which discharge and combine with the non-metallic component at the cathode thereby forming the semiconductor compound film material thereon. By stoichiometrically adjusting the amounts of the components, or otherwise by introducing dopants into the desired amounts, an N-type layer can be formed and thereafter a P-type layer can be formed with a junction therebetween. The invention is effective in producing homojunction semiconductor materials and heterojunction semiconductor materials. The present invention also provides a method of using three electrodes in order to form the semiconductor compound material on one of these electrodes. Various examples are given for manufacturing different photo-voltaic cells in accordance with the present invention.

Disclosed are multi-stage systems for high flux transformation of solarenergy allowing for uniform solar intensification by a factor of 60,000 suns or more. Preferred systems employ a focusing mirror as a primary concentrative device and a non-imaging concentrator as a secondary concentrative device with concentrative capacities of primary and secondary stages selected to provide for net solar flux intensification of greater than 2000 over 95 percent of the concentration area. Systems of the invention are readily applied as energy sources for laser pumping and in other photothermal energy utilization processes. 7 figures.

Disclosed are multi-stage systems for high flux transformation of solarenergy allowing for uniform solar intensification by a factor of 60,000 suns or more. Preferred systems employ a focusing mirror as a primary concentrative device and a non-imaging concentrator as a secondary concentrative device with concentrative capacities of primary and secondary stages selected to provide for net solar flux intensification of greater than 2000 over 95 percent of the concentration area. Systems of the invention are readily applied as energy sources for laser pumping and in other photothermal energy utilization processes.

Apparatus is described for collecting solarenergy comprises a collector having a solar-energy collector surface. The collector is mounted on a support and is pivotable between an exposed position in which the collector surface faces the sun and a substantially horizontal sheltered position in which the collector surface faces the earth, thereby protecting the collector surface from the elements and facilitating access thereto for maintenance.

Presented here are results of a test program undertaken to further define the response of the solar dynamic radiator to hypervelocity impact (HVI). Tests were conducted on representative radiator panels (under ambient, nonoperating conditions) over a range of velocity. Target parameters are also varied. Data indicate that analytical penetration predictions are conservative (i.e., pessimistic) for the specific configuration of the solar dynamic radiator. Test results are used to define the solar dynamic radiator reliability with respect to HVI more rigorously than previous studies. Test data, reliability, and survivability results are presented.

Solar Thermal Energy Technology (STT) announces on a bimonthly basis the current worldwide research and development information that would expand the technology base required for the advancement of solar thermal systems as a significant energy source. This publication contains the abstracts of DOE reports, journal articles, conference papers, patents, theses, and monographs added to the Energy Science and Technology Database (EDB) during the past two months. Also included are US information obtained through acquisition programs or interagency agreements and international information obtained through the International Energy Agency's Energy Technology Data Exchange or government-to-government agreements. The digests in STT and other citations to information on solar thermal energy date back to 1974.

Barriers | Department of Energy 1 Million to Lower SolarEnergy Deployment Barriers Energy Department Announces $21 Million to Lower SolarEnergy Deployment Barriers February 8, 2016 - 8:30am Addthis Energy Department Announces $21 Million to Lower SolarEnergy Deployment Barriers The U.S. Department of Energy today announced $21 million in new funding to lower solarenergy deployment barriers and expand access to solarenergy to all Americans. The Department is making $13 million available

SolarEnergy in the United States Â» Commit to Solar Commit to Solar Commit to Solar On May 9, 2014, President Obama announced more than 300 private and public sector commitments to create jobs and cut carbon pollution by advancing solar deployment and energy efficiency. The commitments represent more than 850 megawatts of solar deployment - enough to power nearly 130,000 homes - as well as energy efficiency investments that will lower bills for more than 1 billion square feet of buildings. Are

A multi-layer solarenergy collector of improved stability comprising: (1) a substrate of quartz, silicate glass, stainless steel or aluminum-containing ferritic alloy; (2) a solar absorptive layer comprising silver, copper oxide, rhodium/rhodium oxide and 0-15% by weight of platinum; (3) an interlayer comprising silver or silver/platinum; and (4) an optional external anti-reflective coating, plus a method for preparing a thermally stable multi-layered solar collector, in which the absorptive layer is undercoated with a thin film of silver or silver/platinum to obtain an improved conductor-dielectric tandem.

J.F. Family Limited Partnership has been awarded $191,000 through the Recovery Act toward the use of solarenergy at its Lakefront Parkway property in Edwardsville, Ill., which is the company headquarters for J.F. Electric Inc. The funding will be used to install a 75-kW solar photovoltaic system on the buildingâ€™s roof, creating electricity on-site and creating or saving a total of 14 jobs.

Solar Technical Assistance Team Solar Technical Assistance Team SunShot funds the work of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's (NREL) Solar Technical Assistance Team (STAT). STAT leverages the expertise of NREL solarenergy technology and deployment experts in order to provide information on solar policies, regulations, financing, and other issues for state and local government decision makers, so they develop best practices to deploy solar in their regions. STAT aims to help government

Heat & Cool Â» Water Heating Â» Solar Water Heaters Solar Water Heaters Solar panels heat water that is delivered to a storage tank.| Photo courtesy of David Springer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Solar panels heat water that is delivered to a storage tank.| Photo courtesy of David Springer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Solar water heaters -- also called solar domestic hot water systems -- can be a cost-effective way to generate hot water for your home. They can be used in

| Department of Energy 3 Million to Expand SolarEnergy Technologies Energy Secretary Announces $13 Million to Expand SolarEnergy Technologies October 12, 2006 - 9:08am Addthis ST. LOUIS, MO - U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman today announced more than $13 million to fund new research in solar technologies. This funding, part of President Bush's $148 million Solar America Initiative, will support the development of more efficient solar panels, known as photovoltaic

Increasingly alarmed by threats to their financial security posed by an escalating number of weather-related catastrophes, major insurance companaies, particularly those in Europe and Asia, are starting to support a variety of measures that would slowe the production of grenhouse gases worlwide. As the insurance and banking industries turn their attention to global warming, investments in solarenergy take on growing appeal.

2 likes How Solar Works Every four minutes, another American home or business goes solar, but how do solar panels turn sunlight into energy? We'll answer that question, while exploring other topics like the different types of solar technology available for both commercial and residential use and the steps you need to take before you install solar panels on your house. For more on solarenergy, check out the Top 6 Things You Didn't Know About SolarEnergy. Innovators Sort by: Random |

Solar Technology Analysis NREL conducts analysis to support research and development done by the SolarEnergy Technologies Program in three major technology areas: concentrating solar power; solar electricity, also known as photovoltaics or PV; and solar heating and lighting. For example, in the area of photovoltaics, EERE's systems modeling and analysis activity rigorously assesses the performance, reliability, installed costs, and levelized energy costs (LECs) of a wide variety of flat-plate

An improved tower-mounted central solarenergy receiver for heating air drawn through the receiver by an induced draft fan is described. A number of vertically oriented, energy absorbing, fin-shaped slats are radially arranged in a number of concentric cylindrical arrays on top of the tower coaxially surrounding a pipe having air holes through which the fan draws air which is heated by the slats which receive the solar radiation from a heliostat field. A number of vertically oriented and wedge-shaped columns are radially arranged in a number of concentric cylindrical clusters surrounding the slat arrays. The columns have two mirror-reflecting sides to reflect radiation into the slat arrays and one energy absorbing side to reduce reradiation and reflection from the slat arrays.

Information Administration SolarEnergy Explained - Home What Is Energy? Forms of Energy Sources of Energy Laws of Energy Units and Calculators Energy Conversion Calculators British Thermal Units (Btu) Degree-Days U.S. Energy Facts State and U.S. Territory Data Use of Energy In Industry For Transportation In Homes In Commercial Buildings Efficiency and Conservation Energy and the Environment Greenhouse Gases Effect on the Climate Where Greenhouse Gases Come From Outlook for Future Emissions

A solarenergy electric generating system is described comprising in combination: (a) an array of photocells; (b) means for gating the electrical direct current energy produced by the array of photocells; (c) means for transforming the electrical direct current energy at an output of the array of photocells whereby an alternating current at the output of the transforming means is produced, and which is controlled by a control device for controlling the rate and duty cycle of the gating means; and (d) a photosensitive sampler which samples light incident upon the photocell array and outputs a proportional signal.

This 85-page document covers a variety of solar legal issues including solar access, power purchase agreements, solar development contracts, regulations, permitting, solar financing contracts, and renewable energy credits. Note that this document is not legal advice or a legal opinion on specific facts or circumstances.

SolarEnergy Resources for Homebuilders SolarEnergy Resources for Homebuilders SolarEnergy Resources for Homebuilders Across the country more homebuilders are realizing that solar represents a good investment for their portfolios. Integrating solar photovoltaics (PV) into new construction has become a focus for many companies and municipalities, who are incorporating building integrated PV into their master plans. Cities like Tucson, AZ, Carbondale, CO and Chula Vista, CA have developed

Harnessing SolarEnergy at Home Harnessing SolarEnergy at Home October 1, 2014 - 12:37pm Q&A What do you want to know about solarenergy at home? Tell Us Addthis Solar panels are a great way to produce clean energy at home! | Photo courtesy of Stefano Paltera, U.S. Department of Energy. Solar panels are a great way to produce clean energy at home! | Photo courtesy of Stefano Paltera, U.S. Department of Energy. Paige Terlip Paige Terlip Former Communicator, National Renewable Energy

Solar Technologies for Native America November 20, 2003 Sandra Begay-Campbell Principal Member of the Technical Staff Sandia is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the United States Department of Energy under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000. Helping our nation secure a peaceful and free world through technology. Where is Sandia National Labs? * New Mexico * California * Nevada * Hawaii * Texas We address the surety (safety, security &

The fact sheet summarizes the goals and activities of the DOE SolarEnergy Technologies Program efforts with utilities to remove the technical, regulatory, and market challenges they face in deploying solar technologies.